Earlier today, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) published a bulletinannouncing the availability of a Service Definition Matrix on the CIH Transform webpage. The Service Definition Matrix outlines all of the current services offered under the CIH waiver as well as some new services that will be proposed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in early 2016 for approval.

These proposed changes are being previewed with stakeholders prior to the official waiver public comment period that will take place in December 2015. The intent of this preview period is to provide opportunity for additional input in advance of the offical public comment period.

In addition to the proposed service definitions, the Service Definition Matrix also describes proposed structural changes, including elimination of "buckets", an overview of changes in methodology for residential service rates for individuals who live with housemates and share staff; an overview of changes in mehtodology for determining when an individual requires a more intensive service package and in the manner in which rates for those more intensive services are determined; and changes in training requirements for residential providers to emphasize person specific training.

The INARF Rate Reform Workgroup provided initial feedback on several of these draft service definitions over the past few weeks and is continuing to provide feedback on the update versions posted to the CIH Transform page. In addition, the INARF Board is currently analyzing information available on the proposed cost-reimbursement changes and is seeking feedback from the Division on key questions and issues. As this work continues, we will provide regular updates to members.

In the interim, INARF encourages all members to review the service definition matrix, proposed strucutural changes and proposed service definitions and offer your organization's comment and feedback via e-mail at CIHW@fssa.in.gov until the formal comment period is announced. As always, INARF would appreciate being copied on any feedback/comment offered by including Sarah Chestnut (sarah@inarf.org) as a cc on the corresponence. We will compile responses received and share with both the Rate Reform Workgroup and the INARF Board to inform their on-going analysis.

We hope you find this information helpful. Please let us know if you have questions or need any additional information.